Master of Landscape Architecture

Image: MLA students at the Yorkville Park site visit with David Oleson.

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree program prepares students for creative thinking and collaborative learning leading to professional careers.

From these historical roots within a smaller city set among rural landscapes and close to metropolitan areas, the MLA program offers diverse opportunities for study, research, creative design, and professional practice. The combination of undergraduate and graduate programs yields a substantial body of engaged students and organizations and provides teaching assistant opportunities for MLA students. Our legacy includes an alumni network that is engaged and involved in our programs and employs our graduates in global design. Our faculty have diverse experiences and perspectives for a broad spectrum of learning. We offer immersive, project-centered learning formats that include peer-to-peer sharing, field study, in-depth topical discussions, seminars, lectures, and landscape design studios. An undergraduate landscape architecture degree is not required to apply for the MLA degree program.

MLA Course-Based Degree:

The MLA course-based master's degree program will provide a final design or thesis project option as part of the MLA degree program. More details are available in the 'MLA Profile' PDF document attachment below.

The MLA degree program is structured for students to acquire and master a professional level of design competency. The MLA curriculum features a carefully structured curriculum spanning six semesters, each centered around distinctive themes to provide a cohesive and integrated learning experience. The thematic breakdown includes foundations, site, environment and application, design and detail, community and place, and design or thesis project options. The MLA program leads to a professional degree that meets the educational requirements for entry into professional associations across Canada, North America and abroad.

MLA Structure/Duration

Graduate student registration occurs in Fall and Winter semesters, and students request an academic break in the first two summer semesters to gain professional practical experience. You may expect to follow the three-year (six-semesters over 32 months) academic program, leading to the professional MLA degree.

MLA Application Deadline for Fall 2025:

International and Domestic Applicant Deadline: The deadline to receive COMPLETED applications is January 31, 2025, for September / Fall 2025 entry. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant and the Graduate Coordinator to find out if additional applications are being accepted.

Once your account is processed, you will receive an email with your login information and instructions on uploading your documents. The OUAC application system can take up to five working days to process your account. Please pay close attention to the required application documents and upload the application materials to the correct areas. Plan the submission of your MLA application documents and referee submissions in accordance with the application deadline.